Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are going through one of the most painful phases in their Indian Premier League (IPL) history. After finishing at the bottom of the table in 2025, the five-time champions have now started the IPL 2026 campaign with three defeats in a row.
Their latest defeat—a crushing 43-run loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium—has pushed the team into the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table. This shocking collapse has put CSK head coach Stephen Fleming under the scanner.
Stephen Fleming under fire for CSK’s outdated T20 approach
Fleming is the longest-serving coach in IPL history, and now demands have been raised for his sacking as the CSK head coach. Many cricket experts feel the franchise has not been able to adapt to the rapid changes in T20 cricket and is moving slower than the rest of the teams.
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The last time CSK won a title was in 2023, and since then the game has moved forward at a different speed, and the team’s repeated failure has forced many to suggest CSK’s think tank may need fresh ideas. But Michael Vaughan refused to blame the coaching group for the poor performances.
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Michael Vaughan defends Fleming amid IPL 2026 horror
The former England captain has stressed that the issue is not Fleming or the support staff but the lack of form in key players. He pointed out that Sanju Samson has not clicked at all and Ruturaj Gaikwad is also struggling badly. Because of which, Ayush Mhatre is facing a lot of pressure.
He also noted that Chennai’s bowling looks surprisingly ordinary this season, as there is no surprise element, no mystery, and no one who can take control during the crunch moments.
Michael Vaughan said on Cricbuzz: “I will guarantee you that they’ll be sending the right message. They’re a very experienced coaching unit with all the right skill sets. It won’t be that they’re telling the players to play any differently from what the RCB side is playing, what the Mumbai Indians are playing, or what the Punjab Kings are playing. It just comes down to personnel. They’ve got some players that aren’t firing. The bowling attack is going to suffer because it doesn’t have enough mystery.”
CSK will never sack Fleming: Vaughan
Vaughan reminded everyone that when Chennai Super Kings were winning the trophies and making the frequent finals, they had the match winners, smart spinners, and most importantly, the greatest captain that’s ever played T20 cricket behind the stumps—MS Dhoni.
The Englishman noted that legendary Dhoni was not just taking the game away behind the stumps but also winning the games with his batting as well. Despite the struggles, Vaughan doesn’t think CSK will sack Fleming or anyone, but the time has come for them to bring fresh energy into the camp.
Vaughan said, “I don’t think it’s the coaching. But there will come a time when Fleming will probably go, ‘I’ve done this a long time.’ It’s time to move on.’ But it won’t be a position where he’s going to get sacked, I’m sure. They have quality coaches. But you can’t do something forever.”
Vaughan says Fleming–Dhoni partnership close to end
He also defended the team “environment,” as he felt the real problem lies in the bowling and captaincy. When RCB posted 250 on the board, it became clear how badly CSK is missing an experienced leader behind the stumps and a strong bowling attack.
Vaughan said that Dhoni and Fleming have built CSK into an iconic IPL brand, but their partnership will come to an end for sure at any stage. He believes that Chennai will never ask Fleming to leave, and it will be his personal call to resign after almost two decades of service.
He signed off by saying, “I wouldn’t be blaming the coaching. But all fairytale love stories come to an end eventually. And it will be a time. And whether it’s this year, next year, or in a couple of years’ time, the Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni combination can’t go on forever. But it won’t be because Stephen gets the sack. It will be because he goes, you know what? I’ve done this for 20-odd years. It’s now time to move on.”
